Take an Outdoor Texture Walk

Walking through the great outdoors is a wonderful way to get
some fresh air as a family, and always provides plenty of excellent educational
opportunities for the kids. The outdoors can help you teach your kids about so
many science-related topics, and offers many different visual and auditory teaching
aides as well.

In addition to being so many things you can see and hear in
nature, there is a host of different things that you can experience, simply by
use your sense of touch. This summer then, try these simple summer activities
and go on an outdoor texture walk with the kids to help them learn about and
appreciate nature.

Start with Trees

To begin your walk, start by letting your little one touch
the bark of different trees. Tree bark is safe, and it comes in so many
textures that will surprise and delight the hands of your child. Let them feel
the rough ridges of a pine tree, as well as the smooth bark of an Aspen, and see
what they think of each. They may be more inclined to touch certain types of
bark based on the nature of the texture.

Try Out Some Sand and
Dirt

If you don’t mind getting your hands a bit dirty this
summer, then take your child to a sandbox (preferably one within a park) and
have a go at this toddler activity. Let them play in the sand, allowing them to
feel the soft grains within their tiny hands. After a few minutes of that, try
to find a patch of dirt in the park (or bring along some of your own), and let
them experience the contrast in textures between the two. The sand often
provides a grainy, warm feeling, while the dirt may be mushy and cool.

Fresh Leaves, Old
Leaves

This outdoor toddler activity works best towards the fall,
when some leaves are still up on trees, while others have already come falling
down to the ground. Start this summer activity by letting your child feel the
leaves that are still on the trees, experiencing how smooth and flexible they
are. Then, let them pick up a few of the dead leaves on the ground, and have
your child crunch the leaves in their hands. You can also try this with leaves
from different trees, some of which may have different textures than the rest.

Be Careful with
Plants

It is important to note that while a variety of plants in
nature may provide interesting textures for your children to feel, unless you
know specifically what the plant is, avoid letting your toddler venture over to
explore. A plant could be poisonous if you are out for a hike, and even if you
are in town it could possess thorns or stickers that are unpleasant to the
touch.

Head Outside and
Explore the World

This summer, turn of the TV
and head outside to explore with the little ones. And for a fun preschooler
activity, try taking a texture walk to feel the wonders of the world.

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